Powell sacked after 15 years as England coach

Hope Powell has been sacked as the England women's football team manager after 15 years in charge.

Powell's England squad failed to win a match during Euro 2013 in July and FA General Secretary Alex Horne now believes it is time for a fresh face at the helm.

"Hope deserves a lot of credit for her commitment to developing the national teams over such a long period," Horne said. "The high point was undoubtedly reaching the UEFA European Championship final four years ago.

"However, after the disappointment of the recent tournament in Sweden, the Club England Board believe the time is right to make a change and for a fresh outlook.

"I'd like to place on record the organisation's thanks to Hope for her efforts and wish her every success in the future."

Powell previously led England to the final of Euro 2009, and also reached the quarter-final of the 2011 World Cup. She became the first woman to achieve a UEFA Pro Licence in 2003.

"I leave very honoured to have contributed to all of the collective achievements of the group over the past 15 years," Powell said in a statement issued by the League Managers Association.

"The women's game as a whole has made significant progress during this time and will continue to do so in years to come. I am extremely proud to have played some part in the development of women's football as a whole.

"At this stage, I would just like to thank all of the players and staff at The FA who I have worked with during my time in charge of all the England Women's international teams. I sincerely wish the current group of players and my successor the very best for the future."